From the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), exciting news! They are preparing to launch the much-awaited Chandrayaan-3 mission from Sriharikota’s Satish Dhawan Space Center on June 14. The mission is extremely important since it aims to explore the moon.
Imagine Chandrayaan-3, a gorgeous spacecraft, perched on the launch pad of the potent GSLV Mk-III rocket. Next Friday at 2:35 PM, ISRO plans to launch a satellite after meticulously aligning it with the moon for the optimum photo opportunity.
ISRO is focused on making Chandrayaan-3 a success after the first Chandrayaan-2 mission failed four years ago. This time, they want to accomplish the amazing accomplishment of a soft landing on the moon’s surface. Imagine an advanced lander and rover smoothly approaching the moon to investigate its mysteries.
How long will Chandrayaan-3 take to reach the Moon?
How long does it take to travel to the moon, you may wonder? In the instance of Chandrayaan-2, the trip took about 48 days before the spacecraft arrived at its lunar target. Chandrayaan-3, on the other hand, will follow a somewhat different path and set out on a lengthier voyage that will unfold with fascinating turns.
Think back to the amazing Apollo missions that were directed at the moon. On the other hand, Chandrayaan-3 will choose its own path, making for an exciting and anticipatory ride.
Targeting Soft Landing on Moon: August 23 or 24
According to Mr. Somnath, if the launch takes place as planned on July 14, the landing on the lunar surface is anticipated to occur during the last week of August. He explained that the specific landing date is determined based on the presence of sunlight on the moon. In order for a successful landing to take place, sunlight is required. Therefore, the expected landing dates are either August 23 or 24.
In the event that the landing cannot be carried out as scheduled on August 23 or 24, Mr. Somnath stated that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) would postpone the attempt by another month and aim for a landing in September.
Mr. Somnath further mentioned that once the lander and rover have touched down on the moon, they will remain there for a duration of 14 days until sunlight becomes available. During periods without sunlight, a small solar panel installed on the rover will generate power to charge the battery, ensuring its functionality for the subsequent 14 days until light returns. He acknowledged the extremely harsh lunar environment, where temperatures plummet to minus 40 degrees Celsius. While there are no guarantees regarding the survival of the battery and electronics under such conditions, Mr. Somnath expressed confidence based on tests conducted, suggesting that they will endure these challenging circumstances.
About Chandrayaan-2 launch
Do you recall the Chandrayaan-2 launch? It happened on July 22, 2019, from Sriharikota, which was a historic day. The spacecraft accomplished an astounding distance of 384,400 kilometers between Earth and the moon by expertly navigating its way through space. It took a lot of complicated operations to progressively raise its orbit and eventually bring it closer to the moon throughout this difficult mission.
Chandrayaan-2 used deft maneuvers to increase its velocity and escape the Earth’s gravitational influence. It skillfully avoided the pull of gravity by progressively enlarging its orbit around our planet.
Let’s skip ahead to Chandrayaan-3 right now. Get ready for an exciting experience once the launch occurs on July 14! In order to coordinate with this celestial wonder, Chandrayaan-3 will set off on a course that closely resembles the path taken by the moon through space.
When will Chandrayaan-3 arrive at the moon, then? If everything goes according to plan, the spacecraft should reach the moon by the end of August, roughly 45–48 days after launch. Can you picture the excitement and expectation as we await this momentous occasion?
Chandrayaan-3 will experience an amazing transformation once it approaches the moon’s gravitational field. It will elegantly enter a circular orbit around the moon as its altitude gradually drops. Precision engine firings are needed at this crucial stage, known as lunar orbit insertion (LOI), to slow down the spacecraft and enable it to be engulfed by the moon’s gentle gravitational pull.
The process of landing will come after conquering the lunar orbit. The mission really comes to life at this point! After saying goodbye to its propulsion module, the spacecraft will gracefully approach the lunar surface. A precisely timed lander-rover team will touch down, prepared to launch a grand lunar exploration.
Isn’t it amazing to think of Chandrayaan-3’s amazing journey? So mark your calendars and get ready for an amazing journey that will bring us closer than ever to the wonders of the moon!
Click here to visit ISRO Chandrayaan 3 Official Website
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